Willoughby City Council is calling for expressions of interest from people looking to volunteer to help older local residents remain independent and connected to the community.
The Council supports volunteers to offer a range of vital services to vulnerable and elderly residents. These include Meals on Wheels deliveries, making residents' beds with fresh linen, social outings and lunches and assisted shopping trips to the Chatswood CBD.
Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said that, while Council's volunteer numbers had improved in recent months, they were yet to bounce back to pre-COVID levels.
"We are particularly keen to welcome new volunteers to our linen, companion shopping and Meals on Wheels services," Mayor Taylor said.
"Volunteers provide a vital role in helping to deliver these services through providing assistance to clients by changing their bedsheets, taking them grocery shopping and delivering a fresh nutritious meal to their door.
"Volunteers also aid Council staff at regular social group or social outing activities.
"With Willoughby having volunteering rates above the Sydney average, we are confident that we'll be seeing more people willing to volunteer for these important services."
Local volunteers Sandra Byak and Cheryl Broadhurst have 20 years of combined experience giving back to their community as volunteers for Council's linen, Meals on Wheels and companion shopping services.
The duo say they "get more out of volunteering" than they put in.
"I think we are so lucky in this country that we need to give something back," Ms Byak said.
"There is a need for the older people who need a decent clean bed and meals, and if you are able to do this it gives you such a sense of fulfilment.
"Volunteering is a great way to have another social life … the team are so lovely and I have gotten many friendships out of it."
Ms Broadhurst said offering support to those in need was a powerful motivator for her as a volunteer.
"I generally like helping people in need because there are a lot of people out there who have no-one to help them," she said.
"I'm very happy doing it."
Benefits of volunteering include a sense of fulfilment and achievement, making new friends, developing new skills and getting to know others in the community.
Residents interested in becoming volunteers for Council's At Home with Willoughby Aged Care services are encouraged to complete an application form and apply online
